It seems that the dashtop-mounted GPS portable navigation system has become as ubiquitous as iPods in our cars. With some units priced as low as $100 they are affordable for everyone, so what justifies the price of more expensive units? In the coming era of $5 per gallon of gas, the units featured here all provide in-car, real-time traffic information, getting you out of bumper-to-bumper traffic and onto alternative routes, saving time, as well as gas. If you commute everyday you'll find the feature indispensable. Since prices are in a constant state of flux, we are listing the street prices of each unit as of June 1, 2008.
 Photo-Realistic Display Helps...  Photo-Realistic Display Helps You Navigate Through Complex IntersectionsNavigon 7100 Portable Navigation System$350, www.navigonusa.comThe essentials: 4.3-inch wide-screen touch control, 1.7 million points of interest database, U.S. and Canada mapping, text-to-speech voice prompts, built-in Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and access to most menu functions on your compatible phone, Reality View photo-realistic displays images of complicated intersections, and the included FM TMC traffic-info receiver includes a free lifetime subscription. The preloaded Zagat Survey database gives you expert advice on where to wine, dine, and play along your journey. |  Compact Gps Unit Combines...  Compact Gps Unit Combines Navigation With A Digital Camera And Video Playback CapabilityMio's DigiWalker C720t Portable Navigation System$350, www.mio.com/usThe essentials: 4.3-inch wide-screen touch control, 12 million points of interest database, U.S. and Canada mapping, text-to-speech voice prompts, Bluetooth wireless connectivity to link to your compatible cell phone, built-in audio/video player with 2MB flash memory, 2-megapixel digital camera, and FM TMC traffic receiver to give you real-time updates on congestion along your route. (Subscription is required after a three-month free trial.) |  Unique IQ Routes Allow The...  Unique IQ Routes Allow The Go 730 To Communicate With Other Tomtom Users To Find The Best RouteTomTom Go 730 Portable Navigation System$500, www.tomtom.comEssentials: 4.3-inch wide-screen touch control, 5 million points of interest database, text-to-speech voice prompts, built-in Bluetooth wireless for compatible cell phones, and an FM TMC traffic receiver offers current traffic updates combined with IQ Routes using historic traffic flow data based on travel speeds from other TomTom users in the area. TomTom's Map Share software lets you update the unit as you encounter mapping anomalies. The built-in MP3 player sends the music files that are stored on your SD card to your existing audio system through its integrated FM transmitter. |
 Five-Inch Screen Combined...  Five-Inch Screen Combined With AAA Reccomendations Means You'll Never Stay At The Bates MotelMagellan Maestro 5310$500, www.magellangps.comEssentials: 5-inch wide-screen touch control, 6 million points of interest database, text-to-speech capability, and an integrated FM TMC traffic-information receiver that provides current updates on congestion along your route. The 5310 provides integrated travel information from the AAA TourBook guide and gives you instant access to service details and Diamond ratings from the world's leading travel experts. Quickly find AAA-approved lodgings and restaurants, member roadside assistance details, and discounts available through the AAA show your card and save program. | | |